Reading Endorsement

Application Checklist

✅ Complete the Endorsement Application Form 

✅ Send your completed application with your Teaching Certificate to Darcie Pritchett at darcie.pritchett@ngresa.org. 

✅ Await course placement and Canvas access (mid-July)

Program of Study

Development: The Reading Endorsement Program equips educators with advanced knowledge and skills to teach reading effectively to students in grades P–12, in alignment with GaPSC Rule 505-3-.96. Building on the foundational competencies outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-3-.03, the program emphasizes evidence-based practices, reading development, and literacy instruction across diverse learners. Developed by experienced literacy professionals, the coursework integrates current research, structured and explicit instruction, and practical application of scientifically based reading strategies. Candidates will gain the tools needed to assess and address reading needs, including those of students with reading difficulties or characteristics of dyslexia, ensuring they are prepared to support all learners through high-quality reading instruction and intervention.  

Purpose: The purpose of the Reading Endorsement Program, as defined in GaPSC Rule 505-3-.96, is to prepare educators with enhanced knowledge and instructional skills to teach reading to students in grades P–12. This endorsement is designed to build upon the foundational knowledge outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-3-.03 (Foundations of Reading, Literacy, and Language) and focuses on developing educators’ expertise in the science of reading, assessment-informed instruction, and evidence-based strategies that improve literacy outcomes for all learners, including those with reading difficulties or characteristics of dyslexia. The ultimate goal is to ensure that teachers are well-equipped to plan, deliver, and evaluate high-quality reading instruction across grade levels and content areas.  

Click Here to Access the Full Program of Study

Course Sequence

Course 1: Foundations of Teaching Reading
This course provides candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical, conceptual, and evidence-based foundations of reading, literacy, and language development. Aligned with GaPSC Rule 505-3-.03, the course emphasizes the components of effective reading instruction, including concepts of print, phonological awareness, phonics, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Candidates explore the processes of writing development, oral language acquisition, and the critical role of listening, speaking, viewing, and visual representation in literacy learning. Through research-based frameworks, candidates learn to integrate literacy practices across disciplines and build the foundational knowledge needed to support diverse learners in P–12 classrooms. 

Course 2: Reading Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation  
This course equips educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, select, administer, and interpret a range of reading assessments. Candidates will build assessment literacy by exploring the purposes, uses, and limitations of both formal and informal tools used to evaluate reading development across the components of literacy. Through hands-on practice and analysis, participants will learn to apply assessment data to inform instructional decisions, monitor student progress, and communicate findings to families and colleagues. Emphasis is placed on aligning assessment practices with students’ individual learning needs, using data ethically, and creating supportive literacy environments.  

Course 3: Integrating Literacy Instruction Across the Curriculum
This course prepares educators to design and implement integrated literacy instruction that supports students’ reading, writing, language, and communication development across content areas. Grounded in theoretical and evidence-based frameworks, candidates will apply their understanding of literacy processes to evaluate curriculum, design motivating lessons, and create environments that support diverse learning needs. Candidates will also develop as reflective professionals and literacy advocates through collaboration and continuous inquiry into best practices. The course emphasizes disciplinary literacy, instructional coherence, and the intentional integration of print and digital texts in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing across subject areas. 

FAQs

Q: How long does the endorsement take?
A: The Reading Endorsement takes one year to complete. There are 3 courses to complete within the school year.  See the instructor's schedule for exact dates.

Q: Is there a residency or practicum?
A: There is no residency or practicum required, but you will be required to complete a field experience in each course. Field experiences in NGRESA’s endorsement courses are intentionally embedded to bridge theory and practice. Each experience is designed to give candidates authentic opportunities to observe, apply, and reflect on instructional strategies aligned to course outcomes and GaPSC standards. 

Q: Can I take more than one endorsement at a time?

A: You can take more than one endorsement at a time if your principal/supervisor/school district approves you to do so. 

Q: When will I be notified of my acceptance into the program?
A: You will recieve notification by mid-July. 

Contact Information

Nicole Moneyham, Director of Professional Learning, nicole.moneyham@ngresa.org

Darcie Pritchett, Professional Learning Coordinator, darcie.pritchett@ngresa.org